Drug abuse/ illicit drug use

Illicit substance/drug abuse is on a rising trend globally. Illicit drugs are classified as stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. These drugs are categorized into two groups of hallucinogens including crystal (methamphetamine), ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), marijuana and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and non-hallucinogens including opium, heroin and crack. Alcohol, opium and cannabis have been the traditional drugs of use in India with moderate consumption being ritualized in social gatherings. The long term effects of abusing drugs is the risk of developing permanent brain damage with various psychological, cognitive and behavioral effects that may manifest as depression, anxiety, memory loss and various neuropsychiatric disorders. In some cases drug abuse can result in death by various means: malignant hyperthermia, internal bleeding, fatal overdosing and through allergic reactions. Illicit drug abuse produces a wide range of oral health sensations. This paper discusses the illicit drugs and their effect on general health with more emphasis on oral health.